Shared Values A story of our values, what they really mean and how we can live them - Deloitte
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Shared Values A story of our values, what they really mean and how we can live them.
A tale about...
Buffalo share the art of “But General,” replied the Jackal, for this The next morning the herd stood before
crossing treacherous rivers was the old bull’s title, “the rains have not a shallow, rushing river that flowed too
only brought forth the green grasses you forcefully for crocodiles to inhabit. It was
It was late afternoon as Jackal stood on his see before you, they have also brought still early and chilly, turning their breath
hill, admiring the orange light falling on forth many crocodiles who now gather in into a hazy cloud.
the bright green grasses which burst from the rivers.” Some of the younger buffalo
the charred spiky tufts as far as the eye who had been chewing their cuds of sweet “Attention!” bellowed the General.
could see. A fire had raged through not so grass flicked their ears nervously. One
long ago, harvesting the long, dry grasses even gulped his right down and started “Today and for the next three days we will
of winter and preparing the soil with life- coughing. The older veteran buffalo who practise crossing this river. This will build
giving ash. Soon followed the constant had made the journey many times before your strength and familiarise you with
rains sent by a merciful Rain Animal to gave a confident, reassuring laugh and the art of crossing dangerous rivers!” He
cool the earth. The world seemed bright, settled down for the General’s reply. paused before the other buffalo. They
new and refreshed! As he marvelled at were lined up, standing still at attention
the sight which stretched below him, he “Thank you for this information Jackal. and only occasionally flicking their tails.
saw a procession of long shadows emerge Indeed an obstacle to overcome.” He
from over a low hill. It was his friends the paused and contemplated briefly. This The veterans who had made the journey
buffalo, who he had not seen for a whole confirmed the rumours that the ox-peckers before stepped forward casually
two seasons! With excitement he trotted had been chirping into the ears of their and gathered into formation at the
down the hill, bounding from boulder to clients, many of whom were buffalo. These rushing water’s edge. “All together now!
boulder to meet them. He wagged his tail bad tempered crocodiles had paid the CHAAARGE!”
with great energy to greet them. toothpeckers handsomely to have their
teeth cleaned of meaty morsels, but could The column of buffalo charged into the
“Welcome friends! Welcome back! You are not be trusted, having eaten one of the waters. Some almost lost their balance,
just in time to enjoy the sweet grasses of poor birds with a great treacherous bite! but this did not sway their determination.
the new season!” The water, which came up to their
“Surely the crossing will be dangerous,” haunches at its deepest point, was
An old great bull with mighty horns said the General, “but we have arrived kicked up into a fine spray. The river itself
stepped forward and replied, “Jackal! How in good time to prepare ourselves. Our seemed to make way for the large animals,
excellent to see you! We will not be staying training shall begin at dawn. For now, let us as if hoping not to be crushed beneath
long old friend, our journey calls us far rest and prepare. Company, at ease!” their hooves. After they had all made it to
beyond the shadow of your fine hill.” He the other side, the younger Greenhorns
paused, as Jackal leaned forward with a The General and Jackal paired off to talk gave loud cheers of encouragement. The
puzzled look on his face. “This year we are of less pressing matters, while the others General, sensing this was a perfect time
joining the Great Migration. It promises leisurely flicked their tails and lowed in to inspire confidence, gave a decisive nod
to be the biggest yet and animals from conversation as they settled down for the to the veterans. Again they rushed back
far and wide will be joining us for the long night. through the waters to the other side. The
journey ahead.” spectators cheered even louder, amazed
at the display.After a while, they settled down and broke Without any instruction or hesitation, the General attempted to make the best
off into teams of eight, with a mixture of all four Greenhorns chose their moment of this situation. “You’ve all learned a
ages practising under the supervision of and charged into the river. They made it valuable lesson today, and those who saw
the older bovines. halfway, but, sensing arrogant behaviour, you make your mistake also share in that
the river began to flow a little stronger. same lesson. Fortunately, no harm was
They practised all morning and by the This was enough to cause the four to lose done and the others now have a clear
time the sun had reached its height, they their footing and be swept away. Prepared understanding of the risks involved. Even
were thankful to rest for a while and fill for any emergency, a rescue team sprang the mightiest beast cannot make the
their bellies. The conversation over lunch into action and guided the Greenhorns to crossing alone and we will soon be joined
was lively and bovines who barely knew let the river take them downstream. by zebra, duiker and springbok who will
each other the previous day were talking rely on us to charge through the great
and guffawing in pairs and small groups. Here it was deeper and less turbulent and river and frighten the crocodiles.”
Though resting their bodies, the training the rescue team were able to help the
had not truly stopped, for developing youngsters onto the muddy embankment. They soon rejoined the group, welcomed
strength and technique was only part of Once the panic had subsided the four back by their worried mothers and
their exercise. Crossing the great river trouble-makers, who were really just sweethearts. After a short speech on
together would only be possible if they naïve, were led away to a nearby buffalo- safety protocols, nothing more was
stuck together. This was the old secret; it thorn tree. made of the incident. They continued to
was not the strength of the individual, but train tirelessly for two more days. The
the strength of the group that kept them “Do you realise the danger you put crocodiles watched from the banks of the
from being swept away. Unfortunately, this yourselves in?” Huffed the General with Great River, hungrily dreaming of the fine
would lead to the next, unplanned lesson. a stern face. “You are very lucky that a feast that awaited them. On the third day
crocodile was not waiting for you in the Jackal came down from his hill to bid the
After a hearty graze, they returned deep waters!” buffalo and the other animals who had
to organise their teams and continue joined them a fond farewell.
practising. A group of younger “We are truly sorry,” came an unusually
Greenhorns, proud of themselves sombre voice from the lowered heads. Dawn had come and the buffalo stood
for making the crossing several times ready at the water’s edge with a host of
that morning, had planned to put on a “You were lucky this time, but never try smaller animals at their back. All knew
spectacle for the others to show off their anything like this again!” finished the exactly what to do. The time for speeches
skill as the veterans had done. But, unlike General after explaining the errors and was over. The crocodiles who had waited
the veterans, their goal was to impress miscalculations made by the four. “In a patiently for days were restless, hissing
their sweethearts and to show-off to the way the demonstration you provided, and baring their teeth. Breaking the silent
others. though reckless, was also useful.” The tension which had thickened the air, a
youngsters looked confused as the thunderous bellow erupted from the
General.“CHAAAAAARGE!” He yelled, as a roar of A flashing wall of white and black stripes other animal voices joined in, echoing the added confusion to the chaos as the zebra call to action. The crocodiles opened their galloped into the fray. Hungry for justice, mouths wide, knowing their time had also even the enraged toothpeckers joined come. The ranks of sly, confident smiles in, sowing discord in the now bewildered seemed to fade in an instant, taking on reptilian ranks with a flurry of fierce expressions of disbelief and fear. The squeaks. Standing triumphantly on the animals tore through the river sending the other shore the delegates of the Great crocodiles flying left and right while others Migration took a moment to savour their tried to escape with their scaly hides! victory and observe the battlefield. Jackal With the buffalo protecting the flanks, the laughed shrilly at the sight while the crocs, springbok and duiker were in top form, now bruised and battered, hissed and leaping high into the air, distracting the snapped in pointless argument with one opportunistic crocs who still hoped to another. snap up a meal and win some small battle.
Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte organization”). DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms and related entities are legally separate and independent entities, which cannot obligate or bind each other in respect of third parties. DTTL and each DTTL member firm and related entity is liable only for its own acts and omissions, and not those of each other. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte is a leading global provider of audit and assurance, consulting, financial advisory, risk advisory, tax and related services. Our global network of member firms and related entities in more than 150 countries and territories (collectively, the “Deloitte organization”) serves four out of five Fortune Global 500® companies. Learn how Deloitte’s approximately 312,000 people make an impact that matters at www.deloitte.com. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte organization”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No representations, warranties or undertakings (express or implied) are given as to the accuracy or completeness of the information in this communication, and none of DTTL, its member firms, related entities, employees or agents shall be liable or responsible for any loss or damage whatsoever arising directly or indirectly in connection with any person relying on this communication. DTTL and each of its member firms, and their related entities, are legally separate and independent entities. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.
You can also read
